Hellyer says Legal Procedure can win a Rocky Cup

PROMISING Rockhampton galloper Legal Procedure tackles Brisbane’s best three-year-olds on Saturday and the praise from his jockey suggests he’s well and truly up to it.

Brisbane-based rider Micheal Hellyer, who has partnered the Lyle Rowe-trained son of Rothesay to four of his five career wins, said the gelding was a legitimate winning chance over 1600m at Doomben.

“I’m expecting him to run a big race,” Hellyer said this afternoon.

“His run at Doomben (3rd) the other day over 1350m was enormous.

“Up to the mile this time, big field, I’m hoping there will be a bit of speed on in the race which I’d say there will be.

“I rode the horse this morning at Caloundra and I was very happy with the way he felt and I’m really looking forward to Saturday.”

There’s no doubt given Legal Procedure (pictured) is built like a four-year-old and has appreciated galloping room down the 600m Callaghan Park straight at home that Eagle Farm would be a more suitable track for him.

“I’ve ridden a lot of horses that have come from last at Doomben especially in big fields,” Hellyer said.

“Look (tighter-turning Doomben) is something he has to overcome and it would be ideal if it was Eagle Farm.

“I’ve said it to a lot of people that I think he would relish Eagle Farm but I think he’ll handle Doomben.

“Everything Lyle’s chucked at him he’s handled really good so far.”

Hellyer has a big opinion of Legal Procedure, so much so that he believes the galloper can win a Rockhampton Cup (1600m).

“He’s got loads of potential and he’s still learning,” Hellyer said.

“What I like about him most is how you can just put him anywhere in a race, he falls asleep, and as soon as you want him to go he picks up, like he does everything naturally but at the same time he’s still learning.

“Put it this way, if he got into a Rocky Cup I wouldn’t take another ride,” Hellyer enthused.

“I’m not saying he can’t win it this year as a three-year-old but if Lyle does keep putting him in the Rockhampton Cup he’ll definitely win one.”

Legal Procedure has drawn barrier 7 for Saturday’s QTIS race which carries a total prize purse of $100,000.